GHOST OF MCCARTHY IN HOLLYWOOD
By Leslie Feinberg
Entertainment moguls are channeling the mean spirit of Joseph McCarthy
in their witch hunts against well-known industry workers who publicly
express opposition to a U.S. war against Iraq.
The Screen Actors Guild board of directors issued a statement on March 3
explaining, "Some have recently suggested that well-known individuals
who express 'unacceptable' views should be punished by losing their
right to work."
The actors' union statement referred to the 1950s "blacklists"--or more
accurately "redlists"--that destroyed many careers and forced others,
like Charlie Chaplin, to flee the country. This rapacious red-baiting
was part of the witch-hunts led by Sen. Joseph McCarthy against
communists and progressives after World War II.
On the same day IATSE, the labor union representing technicians and
other workers in live theatre, film and television production and trade
shows, publicly said that it, "unconditionally concurs with and supports
SAG's statement condemning any hint of blacklisting that is being
threatened as a result of any public statements that disagree with the
current administration's dictates."
Celebrities known for their anti-war views are reportedly barred from
having an opportunity to speak as Oscar presenters at this year's
Academy Awards. "Meryl Streep, Sean Penn, Vanessa Red grave, George
Clooney, Dustin Hoffman and Spike Lee are among those who will not be
speaking amid fears they could turn the ceremony into an anti-war
rally," reported The Scotsman March 11. Susan Sarandon and Tim Robbins
are also said to be on the unofficial list.
"In a move denounced by some as a return to McCarthyism, star presenters
have been ordered to stick to scripts," The Scotsman continues, "while
winners, who the producers have no control over, could find their
acceptance speeches cut if they say anything more than a brief thank
you."
In February, "Bowling for Colum bine" director Michael Moore thanked the
French for not supporting the war while accepting an award in Paris. And
on March 8, he received a loud ovation for a very mild statement at the
Writers Guild of America awards: "What I see is a country that does not
like what's going on. Let's all commit ourselves to Bush's removal in
2004."
Of course, Hollywood bosses have always urged actors, comedians, singers
and others to build their careers during wartime by performing for
troops. It would be surprising if the 75th anniversary Academy Awards
program closed with no mention about support for those "serving our
country" and "protecting our freedom."
Only dissenters will be gagged with Ashcroft's brand of political duct
tape.
Martin Sheen, star of the "West Wing" program, is reportedly facing
pressure within the television industry for speaking out at anti-war
protests.
Many angry reports have surfaced that producers of the recently
televised Grammy awards program had suppressed anti-war statements of
any kind.
And songs by the Dixie Chicks, big winners at that awards ceremony, are
facing economic reprisals by the radio and music industry, even after
their lead singer apologized for having recently told a London audience
that the band was ashamed that George Bush was from Texas.
http://www.workers.org/